Losing belly fat is more of a challenge when you have digestive problems. Working with a licensed dietitian, your doctor and a personal trainer will provide you with the most effective way to lose belly fat in a safe and healthy way. Do not attempt to implement a diet without first consulting your physician, because a modified diet may affect your digestive condition.

Losing Belly Fat

MayoClinic.com states that the most effective way to lose belly fat is to exercise more and eat fewer calories. Although it’s a popular belief that abdominal crunches can reduce belly fat, situps exclusively will not flatten your stomach. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends reducing calories by 500 to 1,000 calories daily to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week. Although you cannot tell your body where to reduce fat, your overall body mass will decrease, resulting in less fat around your belly.

Digestive Problems

Common digestive problems include lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, reflux, peptic ulcers, gallstones and inflammatory bowel disease. Most digestive conditions are treated with dietary modifications. Certain foods, such as greasy foods, spicy foods, high-fat foods, stimulant-containing foods such as coffee and refined foods may increase symptoms in a wide range of digestive problems. Any dietary modifications need to be made while under the direction of your doctor.

Implementing a Diet

Once you’ve established which foods to eliminate from your diet, develop a calorie restricted diet with your physician. Keep a food journal that details the food you eat, how much of it you eat and how many calories are in that food. If you weigh fewer than 200 pounds, try to eat fewer than 1,500 calories daily. If you weight more than 200 pounds, eat between 1,500 and 2,500 calories daily, according Virginia’s MOVE! Weight Loss Program. If your digestive symptoms increase, discuss the food journal with your doctor to determine which foods are aggravating your condition.

Exercise

No matter what the digestive condition, starting an exercise regimen can help you lose weight. MayoClinic.com recommends 75 minutes of intense aerobic activity or 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly to burn more calories. Common aerobic exercises include cycling, brisk walking, running, jogging and swimming. If you develop pain or adverse reactions from exercising, talk with your doctor.

About the Author

Diane Marks started her writing career in 2010 and has been in health care administration for more than 30 years. She holds a registered nurse license from Citizens General Hospital School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Arts in health care education from California University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in health administration from the University of Pittsburgh.